static friction

Question

Which statement about static friction is true?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

Static friction is a **self-adjusting force**. 
- If you apply a small force $F$, static friction $f_s$ exactly matches it ($f_s = F$) to keep the body at rest.
- As you increase $F$, $f_s$ also increases to match it, but only up to a point.
- This point is the limiting friction $f_{max} = \mu_s N$. 
- Once the applied force exceeds $f_{max}$, the body slips, and we switch to kinetic friction. Static friction is always $\leq \mu_s N$.

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static friction

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